Ricky Tomlinson launches Older People’s Awards

Actor and comedian Ricky Tomlinson is urging residents to enter and nominate others in the inaugural ‘Will you still need me, will you still feed me’ Liverpool Older Peoples’ Awards.

The star, famous for his performances in hit shows including Brookside, Cracker and The Royle Family, will compere the awards at Liverpool Town Hall on 14 November.

The event will showcase the achievements of over 55s and those who take time out of their own lives to support older people in their homes and neighbourhoods.

It will also recognise the people and organisations that have developed the best initiatives to keep people active in the community.

An independent panel of judges will pick the winners who will receive £100 for individual awards with a runners-up prize of £50.

The winner of the organisational award will be given £500 and runners-up £250.

The deadline to enter is 11 October.

The Liverpool City Council event is being managed by Liverpool Mutual Homes with support from a host of local businesses.

Ricky Tomlinson said: “Liverpool has some of the most fascinating people who have achieved great things so it’s going to be great to hear their stories and reasons why they should win.

“The city famously prides itself on communities and people that look out for each other and the awards are also aimed at recognising those who volunteer to help others.

“I’m really looking forward to compering the event and I’d encourage people to enter themselves and nominate others.”

Cllr Gerard Woodhouse, Liverpool City Council’s Lead for Older People, said: “These awards are a great way of celebrating the achievements of older people in Liverpool and the fantastic contribution they make, every day, to life in this city.

“It’s about honouring people who do not let their age stand in the way of them doing great things in the community. And it’s about thanking those individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to help our older residents.

“Liverpool’s neighbourhoods are full of wonderful people, with amazing stories to tell of kindness, community spirit and togetherness.

“I’m really looking forward to the inaugural Older Peoples’ Awards coming to the Town Hall, so we can share these stories with the whole city.”

Director of Housing and Customer Services at Liverpool Mutual Homes, Angela Forshaw, said: “The awards are a celebration of all the great achievements and efforts carried out by people over 55, those who help them, and the organisations whose initiatives improve their quality of life.

“We know there are a lot of older people doing some fantastic things and they have incredible stories to tell so we want to hear from them so they can be recognised and celebrated.”

The seven categories are:

• The most active individual
• The most educated individual
• The most skilled individual
• The most interesting individual
• The best neighbour / volunteer award
• The best older person initiative
• The best older person agency

People can complete an application online at www.liverpoolmutualhomes.org/olderpeople or request one from the free-phone LMH Connect call centre on 0300 123 2300 from a landline or 0800 678 1894 from a mobile.

Housing Maintenance Solutions, Liverpool Community Health NHS, Liverpool Housing Trust, Local Solutions, Plus Dane Group, Regenda Group, Riverside, Sanctuary Housing, South Liverpool Housing Trust, The Print Room and Your Housing Group are the other organisations involved.

Scarisbrick-based, registered charity, ReSound Community Choir will be performing a range of 1940s World War Two songs on the night.

 

Image: Ricky Tomlinson (right) launches the Liverpool Older Peoples’ Awards with Cllr Gerard Woodhouse.

Liverpool Waterfront